Winsage
April 29, 2025
Microsoft plans to transition its hotpatching feature for on-premises Windows Server 2025 into a paid subscription service starting in July, priced at [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: Microsoft has unveiled plans to transition its hotpatching feature for on-premises Windows Server 2025 into a paid subscription service starting in July. This innovative capability allows administrators to implement software updates without the need for system reboots, a significant advantage that streamlines the update process.
Hotpatching: A Game Changer for Administrators
Hotpatching is not a novel concept; it has been a staple in various environments, including the Linux kernel, VMware products, and the Xen hypervisor. The primary appeal lies in its ability to facilitate security updates without the disruption of reboots, enabling IT teams to maintain operational continuity without the hassle of scheduling downtime.
This feature will be a game changer; you may finally get to see your family on the weekends.
Currently, Microsoft offers hotpatching for its Windows Server: Azure Edition and version 2022 within its Azure cloud infrastructure. The company has highlighted that its Xbox team has been a significant user of this feature. In August 2024, a preview of hotpatching for Windows Server 2025 running in Azure was announced, followed by a subsequent preview for on-premises implementations managed through the Arc hybrid-and-multicloud management tool.
With this latest update, hotpatching is now available for both the Standard and Datacenter editions of Windows Server 2025, allowing on-premises users to benefit from this functionality.
Hari Pulapaka, Microsoft’s general manager of Windows Server, emphasized the transformative potential of hotpatching, noting, “This feature will be a game changer; simpler change control, shorter patch windows, easier orchestration.” He humorously added that it might even allow professionals to enjoy more time with their families on weekends.
As of last Thursday, Microsoft announced that the current preview will conclude on June 30, transitioning into a subscription model priced at .50 per core per month. Traditional non-hotpatch updates will remain available at no cost.
In a detailed explanation, Janine Patrick, Windows Server Product Marketing Manager, and Artem Pronichkin, Senior Program Manager, outlined the service's structure, which aims to deliver eight hotpatches annually. This schedule follows a three-month cycle: the first month serves as a baseline month (monthly cumulative update), followed by two months dedicated to hotpatches. During baseline months—January, April, July, and October—reboots will be necessary. They also noted that, on rare occasions, a non-hotpatch update may be required during a hotpatch month for security reasons, which would also necessitate a reboot. However, the goal remains to provide up to eight hotpatches each year.
The benefits of hotpatching are clear, as it can significantly reduce the 'window of vulnerability' that often occurs when administrators delay updates and restarts following a Windows security update. Additionally, it alleviates the traditional burdens associated with 'Patch Tuesday' updates.
Importantly, adoption of hotpatching remains optional; Microsoft will continue to provide software updates according to its existing schedule. However, the company anticipates that many Windows Server 2025 users will find value in the ability to minimize downtime through this subscription service.
While Windows Server 2025 machines will need to be managed by Arc to utilize hotpatching, there will be no additional costs associated with using Arc for this new offering. Users currently testing the hotpatching preview will automatically transition to the subscription model starting July 1, unless they choose to disenroll before June 30. Notably, Azure Editions of Windows Server will continue to receive hotpatching at no charge.
As this new subscription service approaches, the question remains: Will users embrace the opportunity to pay for the promise of non-disruptive patches? The conversation is open for your thoughts." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].50 per core per month. Hotpatching allows administrators to implement software updates without system reboots, enhancing operational continuity. Currently, hotpatching is available for Windows Server: Azure Edition and version 2022 within Azure. A preview for Windows Server 2025 running in Azure was announced in August 2024, followed by a preview for on-premises implementations managed through the Arc hybrid-and-multicloud management tool. The feature will be available for both the Standard and Datacenter editions of Windows Server 2025, with a goal of delivering eight hotpatches annually. Baseline months will require reboots, while hotpatch months will not, unless a non-hotpatch update is necessary. Adoption of hotpatching is optional, and traditional updates will continue to be available at no cost. Users testing the hotpatching preview will automatically transition to the subscription model starting July 1, unless they disenroll before June 30. Azure Editions of Windows Server will continue to receive hotpatching at no charge.
